When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s a steaming plate of Cheesy Hamburger Casserole, bubbling with gooey cheese and savory beef. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, inviting everyone to the dinner table like a siren call. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms your heart and fills your belly. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.
Imagine sinking your fork into layers of ground beef, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a glorious mix that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in front of the TV, this casserole is the perfect companion for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole brings comfort with minimal effort
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, making everyone at the table swoon
- It’s visually appealing with golden-brown cheese on top, perfect for impressing guests
- You can easily adapt it using leftover ingredients or whatever you have in your pantry
I’ll never forget the first time I made this for my family; they devoured every bite and asked for seconds. Their happy faces were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for optimal flavor without excess grease.
Pasta: I prefer elbow macaroni, but any short pasta works well.
Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for maximum meltiness and flavor.
Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweet depth to the dish.
Garlic Powder: Use garlic powder instead of fresh for ease and consistency.
Tomato Sauce: Choose your favorite brand; it brings moisture and tanginess.
Beef Broth: Adds richness to blend all flavors together beautifully.
Sour Cream: Incorporates creaminess that balances out the savory notes.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
Green Onions (optional): Chopped as a garnish for freshness and color.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this breakfast recipe ideas recipe.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your casserole. This ensures an even bake when it’s time to pop it in.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain it well and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with chopped onions until they are fragrant and translucent. Drain any excess fat for a lighter dish.
Add Flavorful Ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce and beef broth with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined. Let simmer for about five minutes—this melds all those flavors beautifully.
Combine Everything: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with meat sauce and half of your shredded cheese until everything is well-coated and cheesy goodness oozes out.
Bake It Up: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish; sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top—this is where patience pays off!
Enjoying Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is not just about filling your stomach; it’s about savoring each gooey bite while reminiscing over shared moments at home. So gather your loved ones around the table, serve up some hilarity along with those generous portions, and watch as smiles spread all around!
You Must Know
- This cheesy hamburger casserole is a family favorite, combining savory beef, gooey cheese, and comforting pasta
- The delightful aroma fills your home while it bakes, making everyone eager for dinner
- Perfect for weeknight meals or potlucks, it’s also incredibly easy to customize
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet while boiling the pasta. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is ready simultaneously.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients. You can also swap out the cheese types for a personalized flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, season your beef well and avoid overcooking the pasta
- Letting the casserole rest after baking enhances its flavors as it cools slightly
- Use different cheese blends to create unique tastes that excite your palate
Sometimes I think my cheesy hamburger casserole could win an award for “Most Likely to Disappear at Dinner Parties,” especially when my friends rave about it!
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this casserole?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works wonderfully in this cheesy hamburger casserole.
What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar and mozzarella are excellent choices, but feel free to mix in your favorites.
Can I freeze the cheesy hamburger casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure it’s well wrapped!
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. Loaded with savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, this dish is a heartwarming staple that brings the family together. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it’s quick to make and adapts easily to your pantry staples. Just imagine the cheesy goodness bubbling away as it fills your home with a delightful aroma!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with meat mixture and half of the cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
